For the second year in a row, I had the honor of attending the Sustainable Contra Costa Awards Gala, an annual fundraiser and ceremony honoring businesses and individuals who’ve modelled sustainable practices in Contra Costa County. Lest you get confused, the event took place in September, not December! I’m a little behind on my blog Read more

I’ve been keeping a secret. Or rather, I’ve been too busy before now to share with you the fun, down-to-earth, yet fully ready for your enjoyment wine country based in and around Prosser, WA. In October, I took part in a media trip covering the area, and boy, did we hit up as much as Read more

Hello, dear readers! I don’t always do a Christmas gift ideas post for food and wine lovers, but sometimes, I find myself with a wealth of information…and deals!…to share with you. This is one of those moments, and I hope this list will help you cross a name or two off your list. Wine Clubs Read more

Obligatory disclaimer: This post is based on free coffee samples I received from Gloria Jean’s Coffees. Gloria Jean’s Coffees is a mall favorite for grabbing a caffeinated treat to keep you buzzing through the holiday throngs. They’re also one of the few coffee shops out there these days that wholeheartedly embraces flavored coffees, and frankly, Read more

Obligatory disclaimer: This was an invited visit to Dublin’s Paris Baguette and thus, all food and drink was free to me. Early in November, I was invited out to Paris Baguette’s newest franchisee in the Bay Area: the Dublin store opened just over a month ago at the Almond Plaza shopping center. Before this visit, Read more

Obligatory disclaimer: This post is based on a media event held by the Lunchpad, so portions are sized down and it was all free to me. The Lunchpad has been holding court in Hayes Valley’s Noir Lounge for about three years now, transforming the posh, gothic nightlife space into . . . a posh, gothic Read more

Château Ksara 2013 Reserve du Couvent Bekaa Valley, Lebanon Obligatory disclaimer: This Château Ksara 2013 Reserve du Couvent was given to me for review. Founded by Jesuit priests in the mid-1800s, Château Ksara boasts Lebanon’s oldest vineyards, though winemaking in the country dates back 5,000 years. I’ve had the chance to sip a number of Read more

It’s been a few months since I visited the Livermore Valley Wine Country on a pre-excursion to the 2016 Wine Bloggers Conference (WBC), but my memory has not faded at the impressive wines being churned out by this little known region. With its close location to the San Francisco Bay Area where I live, it’s Read more

Obligatory disclaimer: The Azzurre Spirits I’m about to review for you were provided to me for sampling. Vodka and gin made with apples, grapes, and sugar cane instead of potato or corn or wheat? Why go against the grain, so to speak? Because Azzurre Spirits founder Dan Pettit found the liquor industry trend toward numerous Read more

Obligatory disclaimer: This write-up is based on a media event previewing Cityscape’s space, food, and drinks for free. Hotels may appear off limits to pedestrians passing by, but often, they harbor secret niches the public can access if they know where to go. Such is the case at the newly opened Cityscape, a sleek bar Read more